Author: Tommy

by Joseph Rittenhouse Sedona, AZ — There’s a new class rising in America. Quietly, methodically, it is being shaped—not by education, not by creativity, not by community—but by control. It is the Enforcement Class, and its formation marks a pivotal moment in the unraveling of the American dream. This is not the upper class—the billionaire technocrats, hedge funders, and media moguls. Nor is it the working class, struggling to survive in a failing economy while drowning in debt. It is a third class, emerging right between the two. It is composed of people who have felt discarded, emasculated, unseen. And…

Read More

Festival partners with Basecamp and Sedona Beer Company for outdoor film experience Sedona, AZ — It’s “Big Screen at Basecamp” as the Sedona International Film Festival partners with Sedona Beer Company for its “Movies on the Move” cinema under the stars outdoor film experience at Basecamp in West Sedona — every Thursday in the summer season! Join us on Thursday, June 26 as we present “The Goonies” at Basecamp/Sedona Beer Company at dusk. The combined talents of two of today’s most prominent filmmakers — Academy Award, Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Steven Spielberg and Richard Donner — created this box office…

Read More

Festival partners with The Wilde Resort & Spa for “Wilde Wednesdays” outdoor films The Sedona International Film Festival is partnering with The Wilde Resort in West Sedona to present its “Movies on the Move” outdoor film experience — “Wilde Wednesdays” Cinema Under the Stars — every Wednesday in the summer season! Join us on Wednesday, June 25 as we present “Victor Victoria” in The Grove Fire Pit Garden at The Wilde Resort and Spa. “Victor Victoria” was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one for Best Musical Score/Original Song. It garnered a Best Actress nomination for Julie Andrews and Best…

Read More

By Rabbi Alicia Magal Sedona, Az — The Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, located at 100 Meadowlark Drive off Route 179 in Sedona, is a welcoming, egalitarian, inclusive congregation dedicated to building a link from the past to the future by providing religious, educational, social and cultural experiences. The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Office telephone: 928 204-1286. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. Friday evening services on June 20, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal,…

Read More

By Ysabella Rongo Millions across 2,000+ cities rallied to call out President Trump’s multimillion taxpayer-funded parade and his administration’s assault on democracy and working people Cottonwood, AZ — A peaceful crowd of over 1,200 people gathered in Cottonwood on Saturday, June 14th, joining millions across the country for the nationwide No Kings day of defiance. Marchers from throughout the Verde Valley came together to exercise their First Amendment right and speak out against gross governmental abuses of power, calling for a government that serves the people – not the powerful. Participants carried signs and flags as they marched through Cottonwood, culminating in a…

Read More

By Amaya Gayle Even though we say we don’t, most of us are looking for an escape hatch. We call it all sorts of things: more money, a new guy or gal to call our own, a better higher paying or more meaningful job, your preferred President, the fulfillment of a death wish, enlightenment … basically anything we think of as winning, as a remedy to ease the pain, to salve the wounds, as a way for life to be better than it is right now — that’s the escape hatch we seek. Each of them, all of them, are…

Read More

By Allen Elfman Sedona, AZ  — In the heart of red rock country, beneath Sedona’s iconic sky and spiritual glow, the city gathered in reverence on Friday, June 13  for the much-anticipated unveiling of Eternal Light—a breathtakingly beautiful new sculpture by world-renowned artist James Muir. The unveiling took place at the roundabout along Scenic Route 179 near the Chapel of the Holy Cross, drawing a crowd of Sedona socialites, art lovers, artists, civic leaders, and community members. The moment was as powerful as the piece itself—both mystical and monumental. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1hXjHeAnuA&t=750s The sculpture, fittingly named Eternal Light, features a solar-powered beam that…

Read More

Dr. Kathleen Ball returns to the Brazilian interior to unravel one of history’s secret The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present “The Brazilian Templars Mystery: Episode 2 — Cave Mysteries and Amazon Miracles” on Sunday, June 22 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. In the shadowy heart of Brazil, echoes of the medieval past whisper from cave walls and tribal memories. “The Brazilian Templars Mystery: Episode 2 — Cave Mysteries and Amazon Miracles” follows researcher Dr. Kathleen Ball as she returns to the Brazilian interior on a quest to unravel one of history’s most enigmatic secrets — the…

Read More

Sedona, AZ — At the June 10 Sedona City Council meeting the traditional “MOA”… Moment of Art, was held where the Council took a moment to bring attention to art events that mean so much to  city residents. Sedona Arts Promoter Skip Daum took the opportunity to thank Mayor Scott Jablow and Arts & Culture Specialist Nancy Lattanzi for their support of the Sedona Sculptors Symposium a the first-ever, on-stage event produced by Daum, held May 13 at the SIFF theater featuring award winning bronze sculptors from the area: Ken Rowe, James Muir, Susan Kliewer, Chris Navarro and patina specialist…

Read More

Sedona, AZ — FutureView Multimedia, in partnership with the Sedona International Film Festival, present the Tech Savvy for Seniors workshop on Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Designed with 55+ adults in mind, this particular 90-minute workshop will focus on the basic settings on Apple iPhones of the last 5 years, and will share with participants valuable, confidence-building skills for everyday use. “I recently saw a headline stating that “A.I. will soon pass seniors”. I don’t believe that. No matter what age you are, you can benefit from learning something about computer technology. We enjoy teaching people…

Read More

Stunning, immersive cinematography showcases the wonder of life under the seas The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Ocean with David Attenborough” showing June 20-26 at the Mary D. Fisher and Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatres. “Ocean with David Attenborough” takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder or surprise, than the ocean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIZAdCtKT_g The celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean,…

Read More

Sedona, AZ —  Out of more than 12,000 film festivals around the world, the Sedona International Film Festival (SIFF) has once again been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine, earning a coveted spot on its prestigious list of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” for 2025. This announcement marks the second consecutive year SIFF has been honored by MovieMaker, following its 2024 selection as one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.” These back-to-back accolades place Sedona among an elite group of international festivals known for outstanding filmmaker support, unforgettable programming, and genuine community impact. “To be recognized in two…

Read More

By David Stephen    Sedona, AZ –When neuroscientists say no one knows how the brain works, it is because the field of brain science continues to linger at neurons, which were discovered to be responsible for functions, more than a hundred and thirty years ago.   How do you explain mental health by the activities in the brain?   This question means that how do you model changes in the brain of one mental state, differently from another state?   How do you explain drug addiction? Consciousness? Sentience? Brain disorders and so forth?   It is quite difficult, if not impossible,…

Read More

Festival partners with The Wilde Resort & Spa for “Wilde Wednesdays” outdoor films The Sedona International Film Festival is partnering with The Wilde Resort in West Sedona to present its “Movies on the Move” outdoor film experience — “Wilde Wednesdays” Cinema Under the Stars — every Wednesday in the summer season! Join us on Wednesday, June 18 as we present “Chicago: The Musical” in The Grove Fire Pit Garden at The Wilde Resort and Spa. “Chicago” — based on the multiple Tony Award-winning Broadway musical — won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, Best Costume…

Read More

Sedona, AZ — The Oakcreek Country Club Niners were pleased to have raised $1500 to benefit CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, from their fund-raising efforts from their annual Mulligans & Margaritas Invitational Tournament.  “We’re glad to be able to support this program of volunteers who help abused and/or neglected children feel safe, be treated with respect and dignity in the courtroom and other settings, until the child finds a permanent and loving home.  We thank all the Niners and the players from numerous clubs who participated in our tournament for helping us make this donation possible.”, said Niners…

Read More